Which Handle for Front Door

How to choose the best handle for my front door? 

Criteria for choosing the handle suited to my front door

Choosing the handle for your front door is crucial. The first point of contact for your guests or visitors, this functional piece of hardware will set the tone and style of your home. It is therefore a choice to be made carefully, taking into account several criteria.

The choice of exterior handle depends on your aesthetic preferences, the style of your decoration and the desired functionality. Door hardware offers a wide range of exterior handles suited to all types of doors, offering all the required guarantees of strength and security.

What types of handles for my front door?

Like all exterior handles, front door handles must be resistant and capable of ensuring the security of your home or offices.

Choosing a handle suited to your front door 

It is important to choose a handle that adapts to the material, shape and operation of your front door.

Front doors can be of different types: hinged door, pivot door, sliding door, etc. For a hinged door, a lever handle may be a good option. For a pivot door, a knob-shaped handle may be more suitable. For a sliding door such as a patio door, it is preferable to use a pull handle (marshal's baton) which facilitates lateral opening.

Finally, the handle should be adapted according to whether it is a wooden front door, aluminium door, glass door, standard door or a fire door or security door.

The different exterior handles for front doors

Here are the types of handles commonly used for front doors:

• Lever handle

Lever handles are very popular because they are easy to use, particularly for people with difficulties grasping or turning a handle. Modern ranges offer products with elegant and contemporary design. These handle models are available on:   

1. longitudinal backplate with integrated locking system ( E.g. Mandelli Spin handle - brass handle Italian design satin gold finish)

2. on escutcheon (round, oval or square) with key function escutcheon (E.g.: the futuristic Dom Pira handle with I key - zamak handle with lacquered chrome finish)

• Exterior door knob 

Door knobs are more traditional and evoke classic style. However, some completely modernised models offer surprising decorative solutions (E.g.: the square fixed knob PQ65 in bronze - to be complemented by its lock)

• Pull handle   

Pull handles for front doors consist of a horizontal or vertical bar that allows the door to be pulled towards oneself. They are often used on heavy doors, landing doors or in commercial environments or public spaces. (E.g.: Tupai Marshal's baton in stainless steel with chrome finish)

• Recessed door handle for pocket sliding door  

Flush pull handles are recessed into the door itself, offering a clean and discreet appearance on the door surface. They are often chosen in contemporary homes or modern interiors. (E.g.: Mandelli 1038T recessed handle in brass with satin nickel finish)

• Window handle (or cremone bolt) and glazed patio doors which are entry points to conservatories or directly to the house (e.g.: Boston model in stainless steel, with reduced projection for exterior patio door equipped with cylinder key white, black or steel finish)

A handle guaranteeing security for your front door 

Security is an inseparable criterion for a front door handle. The quality of materials and locks plays a crucial role.

What are the most resistant materials for exterior handles?

Door hardware offers a wide range of door handles designed in materials suited to all types of use.

Exterior door handles must be able to withstand attacks (weather conditions or attempted break-ins).

The preferred materials for exterior handles are wrought iron (garage door or gate handles), stainless steel or bronze handle, the material of excellence on a wooden door! Designers do not hesitate to offer handles in solid brass and zamak (aluminium and zinc alloy) that will work wonders on your interior and exterior doors. Let's not forget white lacquered nylon on PVC doors!

What locks to provide?

Whilst an interior door can do without a locking system (latch handle without lock), the front door handle must offer a high level of security.

All models come with the trim for locking the door. The quality of the hardware, i.e. all the accessories necessary for the proper functioning of the door handle, must not be neglected. It is better to choose high-quality hardware that will guarantee the security of your home as well as the longevity of your door handle.

Security is an essential criterion when choosing a front door handle. It is preferable to opt for a handle equipped with a high-security lock, with a locking cylinder that can be reinforced with an anti-break-in system. Among the different types of door locks, a magnetic key lock can be a good alternative to a classic mortice lock. A security door can also be a good option to reinforce the security of your home.

In summary, the choice of front door handle type or exterior door handle will depend on the style of your door and important factors such as the handle's durability, security and ergonomics. Do not hesitate to consult a hardware specialist or a doors and windows professional to obtain more specific advice according to your needs.